WrapUp: Windows Phone 7 Launch Guide, A Mac Automator Clone for Windows, and More

This article was written on October 18, 2010 by CyberNet.

Welcome to the WrapUp by CyberNet. This is a collection of news stories, downloads, and tips that we have collected over the last few days, but never got around to writing about. Don’t forget to send in your own tips, or just leave a comment on this page if you think you’ve got something we should include.

–News–

angry birds.pngAngry Birds on Android Brings GetJar Site Down
Last week the first non-beta release of Angry Birds made its way on to the Android platform. The game was released for free thanks to in-game advertising, and the sheer demand overloaded the GetJar servers which were serving up the game.


google analytics.jpgGoogle Introduces In-Page Analytics
A new feature for Analytics users makes it possible to overlay traffic statistics on your site for a better understanding of what people are clicking on.


ipad att verizon.jpgiPad Coming to AT&T and Verizon Stores
Next week on October 28th both AT&T and Verizon stores will start selling the iPad. Verizon will offer a MiFi bundle that costs the same as the 3G version of the iPad from AT&T.


netflix disc ps3.jpgPS3 Getting Disc-Free Netflix Today
Starting today PS3 owners will be able to stream 1080p videos from the Netflix on-demand service.


opera 11.jpgOpera 11 Will Have Extension Support
An upcoming alpha release of the Opera 11 software will include basic extension support, which sounds like it is similar to Google Chrome’s implementation.


back to the mac.jpgApple Holding a Mac-Focused Event This Week
On Wednesday Apple is hosting a small event on their campus to show off what appears to be Mac OS X Lion, the next iteration of their desktop OS.


sony google tv remote.jpgHands-On with Sony’s First Google TV
Gizmodo has a quick rundown on their initial impressions of the Google TV, which seems generally positive despite a little lag when switching between menus.


samsung windows phone 7.jpgEngadget’s Windows Phone 7 Launch Guide
This is a nice aggregation of information and hands-on guides for many of the Windows Phone 7 devices that will be ready at launch in November for U.S. residents.


self driving cars.jpgGoogle is Working on Self-Driving Cars
The New York Times got the scoop on one of Google’s latest projects that involves a modified Toyota Prius that is capable of driving itself.


goog 411.jpgGoogle Shutting Down GOOG-411
On November 12th Google will be discontinuing their free 411 voice-powered directory assistance service.


–Tips, Tutorials, and Reviews–

wga xp.jpgHow to Remove Windows Genuine Advantage from Windows XP
If you’re not thrilled about WGA on your Windows XP PC you can follow these steps to have it completely removed from the machine.


joliprint.jpgSave Google Reader Articles to PDF Using Joliprint
Using the Joliprint bookmarklet you can get one-click access to a nicely formatted PDF version of any article you want to save.


gmail unsubscribe.jpgSearch for Emails in Gmail that Work with Auto-Unsubscribe
Gmail has an auto-unsubscribe feature that a lot of people forget about since not every newsletter or email you get is supported. Using this search query, however, you can find all of the emails in your account that do support it.


superoneclick.jpgSuperOneClick Roots Most Android Phones
SuperOneClick is a fancy Windows app that lets you root all but 7 different Android phones in a single click.


windows automator.jpgA Mac Automator Clone for Windows Users
This free app pushes to fill the automation needs of Windows users through a simple drag-and-drop interface similar to the Automator on the Mac.


backup oem activation.jpgInstalling an OEM Version of Windows 7 without Bloatware
With Winstallinator you can backup your OEM activation in Windows 7, install a fresh copy of the OS from a different source (even a trial), and then restore the OEM activation.


grooveshark portable.jpgPortable Version of Grooveshark Desktop App for Windows
This lightweight portable version of Grooveshark isn’t any different than using the website (although the ads are removed), but some people prefer to have a dedicated app for their music playing needs.


tv on ios.jpgConvert Windows 7 MC Recordings to an iOS Compatible Format
Converting a TV recording from Windows 7 Media Center to an MP4 isn’t exactly a one-click process, but it is doable.


–Downloads–

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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First 4G Android Tablet With Netflix Launches on Outdated OS

HTC's Evo View is the first tablet to run on Sprint's 4G network, and the first to run the Netflix app. Photo: HTC.

It’s a big day of firsts for Sprint. The carrier launched its first Android tablet on Friday compatible with the new 4G “Wi-Max” network. The device is also the first Android tablet out there capable of running Netflix.

Unfortunately, despite being first in line for 4G and Netflix, Sprint’s HTC Evo View tablet ships with the older version of Android: 2.3 (Gingerbread), not version 3.0 (Honeycomb). A future software update will bring Honeycomb, the version of Android made specifically for tablets, to the device.

That speaks to a larger problem of “fragmentation” on Android devices: the inability to implement the platform consistently across multiple types of hardware made by different manufacturers. Fragmentation is also the key reason why Android tablets have been slow getting popular video-streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu onto its devices. It presents a problem for making sure that Digital Rights Management technologies — or applications that make sure you aren’t ripping and recording any of the streaming content you’re watching — function across all devices.

“It’s not one type of gas that goes into every vehicle,” said Netflix head of communications Steve Swasey, in an interview. “DRM isn’t consistent across all Android devices, and unlike the iPad and iOS devices, there’s not one universal solution to it.”

Nonetheless, the HTC Evo View 4G’s compatibility with Wi-Max will be significant for those who want to watch streaming media on their tablet devices, as the speed boost you’ll get moving from a 3G device to 4G is considerable.

The even better news for movie buffs: Unlike the multiple Android tablets that have already hit the market this year, it’s the first Android tablet to run Netflix at launch. The device will essentially come pre-bundled with the Netflix app (after a minor software update upon first powering up the tablet). As of today, only five Android phones are officially capable of running the Netflix app.

“This is a result of extensive testing of the Netflix app on the product to make sure it works smoothly on our network,” a Sprint spokeswoman told Wired.com.

Most tablets released in 2011 so far fall into two categories: Wi-Fi only, the type of device most manufacturers launch first, and a 3G or 3.5G networked device, like the original Samsung Galaxy Tab (on Sprint’s 3G network) or T-Mobile’s G-Slate (which is 3.5G at best). HTC introduced the Flyer, the Evo View’s Wi-Fi-only predecessor, in late May.

Under the hood, the Evo View 4G is no slouch. The tablet sports a 1.5-GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a gig of ram, front and back-facing cameras and a 7-inch 1024×600 screen. It’s also got a stylus pen, which (for a limited time) will be thrown in for free if you buy a two-year contract.

In addition to the Evo View tablet, Sprint also launched the Evo 3D, HTC’s first 3-D-video-capable Android smartphone. The Evo View and Evo 3D are both available in Sprint and Best Buy stores as well as online, for $400 and $200 respectively, if purchased in conjunction with a two-year contract.

See Also:


Netflix CEO Reed Hastings joins Facebook’s Board of Directors

News that Netflix’s CEO Reed Hastings is joining the Board of Directors for Facebook should make for an interesting note in the next movie, but beyond that it’s unclear what it means for either company. Hastings successfully navigated Netflix through the process of going public which many assume will be a next step for the social media giant, so his experience could come in handy, and also serves on the board of Microsoft, which owns a stake in Facebook. That goes without mentioning plans by Netflix to make another run at integrating social features into its movie service after the original implementation fell apart and Warner Bros. recently offering video on-demand through Facebook. Other than facing a lawsuit from Paul Allen, Netflix and Facebook share an intense public backlash whenever either one changes their homepage, but we’re not sure how he could help there — have you seen the redesigned Netflix.com?

Continue reading Netflix CEO Reed Hastings joins Facebook’s Board of Directors

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings joins Facebook’s Board of Directors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceFacebook  | Email this | Comments

Japanese 3DS to get 3D TV service, North America waits with bated breath

3DS owners outside of Japan can look forward to missing out on yet another Nintendo sponsored video service — at least for now. With the help of Fuji TV, Nintendo’s Itsu no Ma ni Terebi (or “SpotPass TV”) will bring a number of short format 3D TV programs to the fledgling handheld, including shows featuring cute animals, sumo wrestling idol girls, and daily tips on performing magic tricks. Like its Wii predecessor, this video service is currently a Japan-only affair, but there’s still plenty of summer left for the big-N to make good on its GDC Netflix promise.

Japanese 3DS to get 3D TV service, North America waits with bated breath originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Nintendo World Report  |  sourceNintendo  | Email this | Comments

Netflix’s day: Sony movies pulled, new bandwidth options, no more DVD API access and a lawsuit

In an apparent ode to Rebecca Black, Ice Cube and any number of body switch movies, Netflix has had an incredibly active Friday, so sit back while we get you up to speed. Sony Pictures movies from Starz Play are no longer available (on any device, not just the Xbox 360 this time) due to a “temporary contract issue” according to the official blog. According to NewTeeVee, the problem is an “IP distribution cap” that was reached due to Netflix’s explosive growth, but with no word on when the movies will be back, you’ll be missing The Other Guys. Up next was the National Association of the Deaf, which has filed a lawsuit in Springfield, MA against Netflix, claiming that its failure to provide closed captions on all streaming content puts it in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Netflix last claimed 30 percent of titles were subbed with plans to reach 80 percent by the end of the year, but the press release (and captioned YouTube video) make the case that as a leader in streaming video, it should do better.

Netflix also quietly gave US subscribers access to the same bandwidth management options provided to Canadians a few months ago. The new Manage Video Quality settings (shown above) can be found in the Your Account section, and if you’re trying to stay under bandwidth caps or just keep seeing buffering, they should help you out at the cost of a few pixels. As if that wasn’t enough, the Netflix Tech Blog squeezed in news that it was ending access to “DVD-related features” for apps using its Open API later this year. The move is apparently preparation for expanded international streaming, so if you’re trying to manage discs through a third party things may change soon.

Netflix’s day: Sony movies pulled, new bandwidth options, no more DVD API access and a lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Hacking Netflix, (2)  |  sourceNetflix Blog, Netflix Tech Blog, NAD  | Email this | Comments

Netflix, Foursquare, LinkedIn, and Square apps expose your data

Failsquare

Here’s a little tip for app developers: encrypt everything, especially passwords. Security firm viaForensics fed some popular iPhone and Android apps through its appWatchdog tool and found that Netflix, LinkedIn, and Foursquare all stored account passwords unencrypted. Since the results were first published on the 6th, Foursquare has updated its app to obscure users’ passwords, but other data (such as search history) is still vulnerable. While those three were the worst offenders, other apps also earned a big fat “fail,” such as the iOS edition of Square which stores signatures, transaction amounts, and the last four digits of credit card numbers unencrypted. Most of this data would take some effort to steal, but it’s not impossible for a bunch of ne’er-do-wells to create a piece malware that can harvest it. Let’s just hope Netflix and LinkedIn patch this hole quickly — last thing we need is someone discovering our secret obsession with Meg Ryan movies.

Netflix, Foursquare, LinkedIn, and Square apps expose your data originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Wall Street Journal  |  sourceviaForensics  | Email this | Comments

Netflix.com’s new look is focused on streaming, cribs UI elements from connected TV apps

Do not be alarmed, your Netflix.com experience has been updated today “with a new look and feel to make it easier for you to find something to watch instantly.” While the header introduced late last year remains and sticks on screen as you scroll vertically, box art of queued movies fills the screen horizontally. The redesign takes significant cues from the HTML5 UIs recently rolled out to most streaming devices, but it’s not clear if this related to some of the queue shuffling we’ve been seeing recently. Responses on the Netflix blog have been mostly negative, although just like Facebook and Twitter revamps some complaints about any change are normal.

That said, we’re not fans either because it still requires an additional click to find out if a movie is in HD or has subtitles, a misdirected click starts playing the wrong movie too easily and selecting “your queue” still takes us to our discs first instead of Watch Instantly. If the new front page isn’t working there’s always alternatives in Netflix queue managers like InstantWatcher.com and FeedFliks, or any number of mobile apps. Let us know if you’ll be riding with the redesign or hitting the back button in the comments here.

Netflix.com’s new look is focused on streaming, cribs UI elements from connected TV apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNetflix Blog  | Email this | Comments

Tennessee bill broadens scope of ‘theft,’ wide enough to include web-based subscription services?

This week, Tennessee signed a bill that made waves across the web, with many sites claiming that sharing your log-in credentials for services such as Netflix could soon land you in the slammer. The actual story isn’t that simple. The bill essentially adds onto laws pertaining to the theft of ‘services’ in the legal sense by covering more things that can be defined under the title. For instance, the original list included cable services, to keep folks from jacking free HBO — now, stealing “entertainment subscription services” can make you a felon as well.

Tennessee has always been a hotspot for the recording industry, so there’s almost no question about what this bill was meant to fight; during a senate hearing for the bill, the RIAA itself explained that online music services could be pirated via password sharing. It also added, though, that users who share passwords “en-masse” are the focus, rather than individual cases like it had pursued in the past.

However, this bill covers more than online services and could even extend to physical media such as magazines, another example vulnerable to this type of theft. Furthermore, while sharing passwords to these “entertainment services” may be illegal after its enactment on July 1st, that’s not what this legislation is technically about; the RIAA would still need to prove that password sharing equates to theft in a court of law. You can check the links down below for more details.

Tennessee bill broadens scope of ‘theft,’ wide enough to include web-based subscription services? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PC Mag, Associated Press  |  sourceH.B. 1783, TN Code 39-11-106, Nashvile Public Radio  | Email this | Comments

Hulu, Miramax deal means Netflix, Hulu Plus both add Pulp Fiction and more starting today

According to a blog post and press release (after the break) Hulu is bringing Miramax films to its free and paid Hulu Plus services. This is also the same day the Miramax deal kicks in for Netflix, so both just added notable movies including Clerks, Swingers, Basquiat, The Crow and Reservoir Dogs. Miramax movies on Hulu Plus are presented ad-free and in HD, just like on Netflix Watch Instantly, and both appear to have the same selection available, although one negative side effect of parity is that neither has optional closed captions on streaming for any of them. The only difference so far? Soon, Hulu will offer a rotation of 15 Miramax movies per month through Hulu.com for ad-supported viewing. While we’re sure some will wait for Miramax to work through its Blu-ray release backlog (CEO Mike Lang is on it, although we still don’t have a date for Pulp Fiction) it’s good to suddenly see a catalog that had been locked away due to the studio’s pending sale suddenly become available through so many outlets.

Continue reading Hulu, Miramax deal means Netflix, Hulu Plus both add Pulp Fiction and more starting today

Hulu, Miramax deal means Netflix, Hulu Plus both add Pulp Fiction and more starting today originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceHulu Blog, Miramax Blog  | Email this | Comments

Netflix updates Android app, expands device support

Tired of content providers bossing you around, telling you what you can do with your own phone? Good, because Netflix is sick of telling you kids to keep off its lawn. Following a recent update, the outfit’s Android app now officially supports the LG Revolution, Motorola Droid, Casio G’zOne Commando C771, and any unsupported device that just happens to work on its own. In addition to adding official support for the aforementioned trio (and of course, some minor bug fixes), the stream king removed a device check that previously blocked unsupported handsets from attempting playback. Your mileage may vary, but the folks over at Droid Life are reporting success with both the Droid X and Droid X2, as well as the Xperia Play. That’s no guarantee for you and your unsupported device, but at least you have the freedom to fail. That’s nice, isn’t it?

Netflix updates Android app, expands device support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 21:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Central  |  sourceAndroid Market  | Email this | Comments